Mexico boss Osorio tries to dispel row over homophobic chant

Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio insists the country's fans do not aim to "generate violence" with a homophobic chant that could once again bring them into conflict with FIFA.

During the 1-1 World Cup qualification draw with the United States earlier this month at the Estadio Azteca, visiting goalkeeper Brad Guzan was subjected to shouts of 'puto' when he cleared the ball - a slur that has seen world football's governing body cite Mexico eight times over the past 18 months.

A new directive introduced for the Confederations Cup, where Mexico face New Zealand in Group A on Wednesday after a thrilling 2-2 draw against European champions Portugal in their opening match, gives referees the power to withdraw teams from the field and even abandon the game if offensive chants are identified and do not stop after a warning over the stadium public address system.

Despite regular punishment from the authorities, there remains apologists in Mexico who claim the 'puto' chant is more of a traditional football taunt than the homophobic abuse it stands as in the present context.

Colombian Osorio appeared to show sympathy with this viewpoint as he sought to play the role of mediator in a pre-match news conference at Fisht Stadium.